Area farmers are now signing up local customers for shares in their community supported agriculture programs, popularly known as CSA programs. CSA’s are designed to be easy and convenient, providing access to a wide variety of fresh, local produce during the entire growing season.
Those who sign up for a CSA will receive a share of produce each week, or every other week, from a local farmer throughout the growing season. In southeast Tennessee, that season typically begins in May. A CSA share will change depending on what items are in season at that time. For instance, one week a CSA share could include produce like lettuce, cucumbers and green beans; a few weeks later, a share might include produce like blackberries, tomatoes, and carrots. Purchasing a CSA share guarantees a variety of fresh, local food all season long while supporting local farms and the local economy.
Depending on the type chosen, CSA shares can feed a family of two to a family of eight. Each CSA has designated pick up locations and times each week. CSA’s can range between 20 weeks to 33 weeks and price points vary depending on the type of CSA selected.
“I participated in my first CSA last year and enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t imagine not signing up again this year,” said Jennie Wallace, a Mayfield Farms CSA customer. “The anticipation of a weekly basket filled with a variety of my favorite, and a few unknown, fruits & vegetables rivaled Christmas morning. It was so much fun exploring new recipes that the talk around my office became ‘what was in your basket this week?’ But not only did I have a supply of fresh and healthy food in my house each week, I also was proud to get to know and support the farmer growing my food.”
The following local farms have CSA programs for the 2012 season with pick up locations in the Chattanooga area (please note that this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive):
Jay’s Garden Variety – 256 657-7247
To learn more about local food and farms, including detailed information on the CSA programs above as well as any new additions, visit
www.growchattanooga.org.